A Quarter of a Million Women in Kerala Earn Livelihoods with Dignity

Abstract

In a country where the problem is not only to secure food for the 237 million people who are undernourished, but to secure food justice, an experiment carried out as part of the Kerala's anti-poverty programme Kudumbashree seem to be having major consequences for food security. Under the Sangha Krishi (group farming) initiative, as many as 44,225 collectives of women farmers have sprung up across the State, creating a social space where marginalised women can collectively pursue their needs and aspirations. The author discusses here the results of the initiative in terms of shifting role of women in Kerala's agriculture and in the political process, enabling women to salvage their dignity and livelihoods amidst immense adversity. The author highlights achievements and challenges for sustainability of Kudumbashree and concludes that the value of Sangha Krishi lies in that it has become the manifestation of a deep-rooted consciousness about food justice amongst Kerala's women.